When the Gov’t Mule train rolled into New York’s famous Irving Plaza on March 24, 1999, it was running in top form. Founding members Warren Haynes, Matt Abts and Allen Woody were in between two releases: They had, just the day before, released the official recording of their now legendary New Years Eve concert, recorded at The Roxy in Atlanta, Live With A Little Help From Our Friends – it was available at the merch table at Irving that night.  On top of that, they were rolling out new cuts to promote their upcoming CD, Life Before Insanity, which was still eleven months from seeing store shelves. 

Among the star-studded cast of characters joining the original Gov’t Mule trio on stage that night at Irving Plaza, the highlight came when a then 21 year-old Derek Trucks and Oteil Burbridge joined Mule and funk legend Bernie Worrell for an unreal version of Stevie Wonder’s Superstition. Young but wise beyond his years with his Gibson SG in hand, Trucks adds slide guitar renditions of the song’s classic hook, then, while being encouraged by Haynes, nails a hair-raising solo to bring the funky classic in for a landing, nearly nine minutes later.

Thanks to slobodantonic on Youtube for the video.

The Jam Buzz guest author for this week is Ross Mickel. Ross, aka ‘The Bootlegger’ is the producer and host of Bootleggers Beware, a weekly live music radio show airing from 10AM-1PM EST on The Radiator, 105.9FM in Burlington, VT, and a live music enthusiast, curating a collection of over 2500 recordings. Check out his website and on Facebook.